Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has welcomed the decision by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to relieve Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna of his duties as Secretary General, describing the move as “long overdue.”
The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) announced the dismissal on Wednesday following a meeting in Mombasa, stating that Deputy Secretary General Catherine Omanyo will act in the position until a substantive officeholder is elected.
Kaluma, a senior ODM lawmaker, accused Sifuna of abandoning party loyalty, claiming that the senator had “left ODM for Gachagua long ago” and remained within the party only to undermine its operations.
Kaluma, a senior ODM lawmaker, accused Sifuna of abandoning party loyalty, claiming that the senator had “left ODM for Gachagua long ago” and remained within the party only to undermine its operations.
“By contradicting agreed party positions resolved upon with his active involvement and participation, his actions have been a case of indiscipline, not an exercise of democracy,” Kaluma said.
The lawmaker further called for Sifuna’s removal from the National Assembly’s House Leadership, citing a precedent set by UDA when it expelled MP Khalwale from a similar position.
“Let him also be removed from House Leadership, the same way UDA Kenya removed Khalwale. Good riddance!” he added.
Sifuna’s tenure as ODM Secretary General had been marked by rising internal tensions, with some party members accusing him of acting contrary to party policies and directives.
His ouster is seen by many as part of a broader effort by ODM leadership to restore cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While Kaluma’s comments reflect the support of some party factions for the NEC decision, political observers note that the removal could deepen existing divisions among ODM lawmakers loyal to Sifuna.
How the party manages this transition will be closely watched, as it could influence ODM’s standing in Nairobi and other urban strongholds ahead of the next electoral cycle.
For now, Catherine Omanyo assumes acting responsibilities, tasked with steering party administration until a permanent Secretary General is elected.